The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced on 3 August 2026 that a rolling review of the UK maritime syllabus had been launched in partnership with industry, with backing secured for revisions every five years. Training centres must teach the syllabus, and future changes are to be reflected in electronic Training Record Books and digital assessments. A newly revised version has been taught since September 2025.

The MCA said updates would cover new technology, enhanced safety standards and improved practice. The work stems from the MCA-led Cadet Training and Modernisation Programme, launched in 2021, whose Oversight Committee backed the five-year review. Its syllabus sub-group, meeting every three months, has been expanded to include more shipping companies, training providers and industry bodies. The next syllabus update was scheduled to be taught from 2030, after the new edition is delivered to training centres in 2029.

MCA Chief Examiner Ajit Jacob said five-yearly reviews would help training keep pace with vessel technology and safety lessons. Merchant Navy Training Board Director Kevin Gregory said the collaborative process would help UK seafarer training keep pace with changing skills needs. The MCA oversees standards through assessments and audits but does not deliver training.